Hornbeam Trees

The hornbeam in our garden, which is about 20 years old, started regrowing its leaves as usual earlier this year until about 4-6 weeks ago. They have now gone very dry and brittle and showing all signs of dying. Assuming it was due to water shortage, we started watering it, but no signs of success have emerged. Any clues why it should be dying and anything that could be done to revive it?

ANSWERS

NikkiCertified GKH Gardening Expert

Other than checking for signs of pests, it could simply have succumbed to old age. Plants, like all living things have a lifespan, and it may be that this one has reached its end.

My 12 year old hornbeams have now been bitten twice by the frost, each time losing some stems – once 7 years ago, and more recently this past Mother’s Day. Several small stems have been lost, but more disconcerting is that the leaves mostly have a yellowish tinge, without the beautiful green that we’re used to. What should I be doing to save the trees?

ANSWERS

DowntoearthdigsCertified GKH Gardening Expert

Yellowing leaves indicate a stressed tree, usually a watering issue.
To much or to little. If it has been dry I would compensate and water the tree to help it through the warmest part of the summer.
Also mulching can help. 2 to 3 inches of a hardwood mulch will help retain moisture.
Watch for signs of insect or fungus in the stressed tree.
You could apply a light fertilizer now, but nothing to high in Nitrogen. Look for a balanced formula. 10-10-10.
Then in late fall or early spring reapply again.

Can you tell if I can planet a Hornbeam hedge in zone 6 Indiana, and if so, which species you recommend. The hedge will be on the West with some shade mid day, direct sun 8:00AM to 11 AM and again at 5PM to 7PM. Looking for something other than Boxwood or Hews. If you can recommend the Hornbeam or another option. Thank You!